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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Amazing Renewable Projects Across the Globe

In December 2015, 197 countries signed on to the Paris climate accord. By doing so, they agreed to work together to prevent the effects of global warming. To achieve that goal, each country is redoubling its effort to produce its power using renewable energy sources. These three projects illustrate the creativity and innovation that will help the below countries achieve their Paris Accord goals.

1. Scotland's Hywind Pilot Park Offshore Wind Farm

The wind that blows so steadily over the Scottish Highlands is also going to power its cities and industries. Located 15 miles off its northeast coast just north of Aberdeen, the world's largest offshore wind farm is set to go into production by fall of 2017. The farm’s five turbines will each generate six megawatts (MW) of power for a total of 30 MWs for the Park. Hyland Wind Farm will quickly become a foundational element in Scotland's renewable power generation system.

2. Nicaragua's Volcanic Geothermal Energy

The volcanic Marribios mountain range along Nicaragua's Pacific coast is one of the country's largest energy resources. In 2013, its 164.5 MW installed geothermal capacity provided more than 16 percent of the country's gross power generation. In 2015, the country generated more than 50 percent of its energy needs with renewable sources, and unlike countries with more advanced infrastructures, Nicaragua is proud to claim that 80 percent of that energy is connected reliably to the grid.

Grid connection is a significant point from the Nicaraguan perspective. Back in 2005, when only two-thirds of the entire population had access to grid-supplied electricity, blackouts as long as 12 hours were common. The diesel-powered power plants were both unreliable and heavy polluters. In 2007, President Daniel Ortega began investing heavily in renewable energy sources, and by 2012, the country was fifth in the world for GDP investments in renewable energy industries.

The volcanic resource makes geothermal a natural choice for Nicaragua. Its two existing plants produce approximately 160 MW of electricity. Additionally, there are numerous projects planned within the same mountain range that are expected to generate more than 1,000 MW of power annually, providing reliable electricity 365 days a year.

3. India’s Record-Breaking Solar Farm

A recently completed solar farm in Tamil Nadu India is now recognized as the world’s largest solar power plant. The plant’s capacity of 648 MW will provide enough power to support 150,000 homes. The plant covers almost four miles and includes 2.5 million solar modules. Autonomous robots will clean the panels to ensure the farm continues to operate efficiently.

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